Djokovic defeats Thiem to reach Madrid final

The number two seed and five-time champion Rafael Nadal of Spain will face Frances Tiafoe of America in the third round of the ATPMadrid Masters on Thursday May 9.

"So it's the kind of match where I need to play my best".

Saturday's other semi-final will see world number one Novak Djokovic up against Dominic Thiem who saved two match points in beating Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6 (13/11), 6-4.

But despite the lack of preparation and the physical toll of the illness, Nadal cruised to a 6-3, 6-3 win over Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach the third round in the Spanish capital. "He has that drive and energy, and it will be a good test for me and an opportunity for me to play a tough match and to keep improving". "Right now every victory is important for me because it gives me the option to play again the next day", Nadal said.

After failing to win the title in the first three clay-court tournaments this spring, Nadal will seek a new chance in Rome where he has to defend 1000 points, desperate for some big wins ahead of Roland Garros where he probably won't be the top favorite. "So that's why it's a great win for me". That is because he was beaten at the semi-final stage in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, two events which he had nearly made his own over the years.

But Thiem found the 31-year-old close to his best, delivering a timely reminder of why he has won the last three Grand Slam titles and will hold all four concurrently by winning his 16th at the French Open. Don't believe? Check out the latter's reaction after nullifying a break point at 1-2 in the second set. "I couldn't have given more to this sport", said Ferrer, who left his bandana on the "T" of the service box.

Roger Federer loses cool in flawed victory
"You don't win matches every day saving match points and it makes you feel good, but it is more relief I feel right now". The Swiss figure made quite the statement previous year , winning the Australian Open - his 20th major title.

Thiem had a breakpoint at 4-4 but it was Djokovic who stormed clear in the tie-break, winning the point of the match with, perhaps, the shot of the tournament.

Wawrinka is yet to drop a set this week in Madrid and he eased past Kei Nishikori 6-3 7-6.

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